O’Chiese First Nation School
Box 337,
Rocky Mountain House,
Alberta, T4T 1A3
Phone: 403-989-3911
Fax: 403-989-2122
O’Chiese Education Authority Comprehensive Policy Manual
Education Statements
101.
Background and Description of the O’Chiese First Nation School
A. O’Chiese First Nation (referred to throughout this document as the “First Nation”) is recognized as the
Band pursuant to Canada’s Indian Act. The First Nation operates under the direction of a democratically
elected Chief and Council which oversees the delivery of programs and services to its membership.
B. The First Nation has established the O’Chiese Education Authority (referred to throughout this document
as the “Authority”) which is responsible for the delivery of education services to children residing on the
First Nation’s reserves and operates the O’Chiese First Nation School for such purposes.
C. The school serves a critical function in the community in terms of the education it provides to the First
Nation’s children and as a means for fostering and preserving respect for the First Nation’s culture and
traditions. In addition to providing a high quality of education, teachers are also expected to have special
regard for the unique circumstances involved in teaching in a First Nation community. In fulfilling these
roles, teachers must seek to foster positive relations with the students, their parents or legal guardians,
and the First Nation community as a whole.
 The Authority oversees the overall functioning and direction of the school, while
the day to day operations are managed by its Director/Principal. The
Director/Principal is the only school employee with a direct reporting relationship
to the Authority.
 In most employment related matters and matters respecting the day to day
operation of the school, the principal will have responsibility.
 The Authority has ultimate authority in all matters concerning the school.
102.
Organizational Chart
A. The organizational chart approved by the O’Chiese Education Authority (OEA) shows the formal reporting
and supervision responsibilities of all staff members. The job descriptions, contracts, agreements, terms
of references and the O’Chiese Education Authority all give detailed explanations of the rights, duties and
responsibilities of all staff members in the delivery of educational services. Supervisors, staff and OEA
representatives have an obligation to follow the
approved organizational chart:
O’Chiese Members
Chief and Council
O’Chiese Education Authority Elder Advisor
(New portfolio holders appointed after each election)
Principal (Level 1 Grievance)
(Level 3 Greivance)
Director (Level 2 Grievance)
Teachers, Teacher Aides, Saulteaux Instructor, Maintenance , Janitors, Cooks,
Financial Controller, Secretary, School Liaison, Financial Controller, Headstart
B. The main purpose for these policies is to provide quality education to O’Chiese First Nation. To this end,
these policies are formulated to prevent, support or correct issues that may arise within the educational
system.
C. It is the intent of the O’Chiese Education Authority to have policies, guidelines, and procedures that are in
keeping with the O’Chiese Education Authority, Department of Indian Affairs and Alberta School Act and
Federal statutes and regulations. These policies are meant to deal with local short and long-term needs
that are unique to our school system. The development of the Code of Ethics for employees and
Authority members, policy statements reaffirming the commitment of the Authority to hire qualified and
certified teachers and experienced Band professionals in ever increasing numbers during the coming
years, are examples of unique responses to the needs of our school system.
D. The Authority urges administration, supervisors, staff and parents to recommend policy improvements. All
parents have the right to choose the school in which their child will enrol each and every year.
E. The primary obligation of the Authority is toward all students under its direct jurisdiction; the most
important activity of the Authority is to formulate policies that promote the delivery of culturally relevant,
quality education to its students.
F. The second obligation of the Authority is to hire qualified staff to deliver Alberta Education approved
courses as well as cultural and social programs which enhance the self-identity and self-esteem of our
students. The Authority feels that its own First Nation staff must build up a work record of excellence and
evidence of professional and academic development.
G. The third overall aim of the Authority is to promote effective school standards. Through its policies the
Authority seeks to promote:
 A safe, secure, orderly, clean and healthy environment for culturally infused learning and
teaching.
 High standards and expectations for all staff, students and parents.


Opportunities for student, staff and parental involvement.
Emphasis on positive behaviour and preventive discipline.
H. The Authority has formulated specific policies representative of these general work place standards for its
students and staff:
 Always be on time and ready to work.
 Treat all people and property with respect.
 Cooperate with those in positions of responsibility or authority
 Leave nuisance objects (for example, cell phones, personal music players) or personal
possessions at home.
 Do not disrupt the teacher-learning process by words or deeds.
I.
Staff and the general public must understand that the ability of the Authority to carry out its policies,
develop unique programs and create job opportunities is directly tied to its annual student enrolment.
These policies are responses to the needs of the school system and are meant to create a school climate
which treats all involved in education equitably and fairly.
J. The Authority believes its staff can maintain high standards of service if we all insist on and cooperate with
equal and fair enforcement of school policies. It is for this reason that the Authority has created a formal
system of appeals and grievances to give every employee and parent due process in the review of
decisions.
K. It is hoped that every employee, authority member, and parent shall contribute toward the enforcement
and constant review of these policies.
103.
Application of the Policy
A. In addition to the O’Chiese Education Authority Comprehensive Policy Manual, further policy and direction
is provided in the O’Chiese Education Authority Board of Directors Governance Policy and the O’Chiese
First Nation Personnel Policy.
B. The O’Chiese Education Authority Comprehensive Policy Manual, the O’Chiese Education Authority
Board of Directors Governance Policy and the O’Chiese First Nation Personnel Policy apply to all
employees of the First Nation.
C. Every employee is obliged to review and abide by all terms contained in the O’Chiese Education Authority
Comprehensive Policy Manual, the O’Chiese Education Authority Board of Directors Governance Policy
and the O’Chiese First Nation Personnel Policy.
D. If an employee fails to abide by any of the policies contained in the O’Chiese Education Authority
Comprehensive Policy Manual, the O’Chiese Education Authority Board of Directors Governance Policy
and the O’Chiese First Nation Personnel Policy, then that employee may be subject to discipline up to
and including termination of employment. Any employee who seeks an exemption from the application of
these policies must apply in writing and obtain approval in writing.
E. The O’Chiese Education Authority Comprehensive Policy Manual may be requested for viewing by
members of O’Chiese First Nation and parents of students enrolled in O’Chiese First Nation School.
104.
Vision Statement
A. By 2014, O’Chiese Education Authority will increase its graduation rate to 25%. This will contribute to our
members becoming proficient knowledge keepers, who will be active in sports and fine arts, creative
problem solvers, visionaries, caring and understanding individuals; thereby contributing to a higher quality
of life on the O’Chiese First Nation and around the world. Our graduates will further promote education,
support, and encourage and cooperate with each other, becoming respectful life-long learners.
105.
Mission Statement
A. O’Chiese First Nation Mission Statement
The O’Chiese First Nation believes in implementing culturally integrated programs and services for its
members. Our mission is to promote and embrace effective programs and services to strengthen our
community.
B. O’Chiese Education Authority Mission Statement
O’Chiese Education Authority provides culturally relevant programming and educational services sensitive
to the needs of individual and all learners to the O’Chiese First Nation thereby exceeding the abilities of all
other educational facilities to provide educational opportunity for O’Chiese First Nation.
106.
Mandate
A. O’Chiese Education Authority will deliver quality educational programs based on the Alberta Education
Curriculum, respectful of the Saulteaux Language and Culture within a safe and caring learning
environment, ensuring First Nation student success.
107. Value Statement
A. At O’Chiese Education Authority, our future knowledge keepers will be educated in a respectful,
responsible environment by a dedicated staff that is compassionate; ensuring the dignity, individuality
and diversity of all students.